“WONDERS ON THE WABASH”
In 2014, the inaugural Wonders On the Wabash or “WOW” river education initiative for students was developed. The initiative exposed sixth grade students from Faith Christian School to the natural history of the Wabash River and to local water quality issues as they embarked on a river raft trip from Mascouten Park to Fort Ouiatenon.
Approximately 50 students and dozens of volunteers learned about Indiana’s most famous river, the animals who call it home, and what they can do to keep the river clean. They learned about watersheds, the relationship between macroinvertebrates and water quality, they participated in hands-on water quality testing, saw fish from the Wabash River up close and personal, and learned about the history of the river. Just a handful of the students and volunteers had ever been on the Wabash River, and as a result of the experience, now view it in a very different way.
In addition to volunteers involved in the experience, Haley Dover, a reporter with the Lafayette Journal and Courier, also participated in the rafting event and provided us with a great cover story in the newspaper, thus sharing the information with all of their subscribers.
The initiative was developed and carried out by three local government agencies — the Tippecanoe County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), the Tippecanoe County Park & Recreation Department, and the Tippecanoe County Partnership for Water Quality. As a result of countless meetings, brainstorming sessions, varying opinions, etc., the program was a success and will become an annual event. In addition, the “Tippecanoe County Power of Partnership” was created and is now recognized as an important education asset to Tippecanoe County.
Education continues to be a high priority for the SWCD and we believe that it is one of the most effective ways to guarantee the wise use of our natural resources for the future. Each year, our District hosts or participates in numerous education events in our community in addition to the “WOW” River Expedition. Children’s activities or programs include Ag Days, 4-H Soil and Water Projects, James Cole Elementary Pond Day & Amazing Race, and the Make-A-Splash water education event, to name just a few.
For adults, there are field days promoting practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, equipment modifications, nutrient management, forestry and many others. Additionally, we promote cost-share opportunities that are available.
It is our role is to consider all resources, i.e., soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans and to promote good resource management. This, plus providing detailed information about Tippecanoe County’s streams, wetlands, soils, and topography continue to be of utmost importance to encourage wise management and development of our sustainable communities, both natural and manmade.